Stock Return Calculator
Calculate stock profit or loss, return percentage, and total sale proceeds using buy price, sell price, shares, and costs.
What does this calculator answer?
Stock return is net profit divided by total purchase cost. Fees and taxes can turn a headline gain into a smaller real return, so they should be included when possible.
Inputs
Results
Net profit/loss
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Return
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Sale proceeds
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Before you enter values
- Enter buy price in USD so the estimate uses the same unit throughout.
- Enter sell price in USD so the estimate uses the same unit throughout.
- Enter shares in shares so the estimate uses the same unit throughout.
- Enter fees and taxes in USD so the estimate uses the same unit throughout.
How to read the result
- Start with 'Net profit/loss'. This is the main output for the current assumptions.
- Then compare 'Return' so you do not judge the scenario from one number alone.
- Then compare 'Sale proceeds' so you do not judge the scenario from one number alone.
Formula
Return = (sale proceeds - purchase cost - fees/taxes) ÷ purchase cost × 100
Example
Buying 30 shares at $50 and selling them at $58 with $5 in costs produces $235 in net profit and a return of about 15.67%.
Common mistakes
- Using sale proceeds instead of purchase cost as the return base
- Leaving out fees and taxes
- Mixing a partial sale with total position shares
Important note
Tax treatment varies by country, account type, and holding period. Confirm actual results with your broker or tax professional.
Review and update policy
This page was reviewed on August 6, 2026 for formula wording, default inputs, FAQ coverage, and related calculator links. Investing and AI cost calculators do not pull live market prices or account-specific pricing, so you should enter the latest values yourself.
When official sources are relevant, source links are provided on the page. If a formula, rate, or source is outdated, send the page URL and supporting reference through the contact page.